For some of us, Friday nights in the mid '60s meant Shock Theater — a late-night TV show featuring low-rent horror and sci-fi movies hosted by Ghoulardi, the alter ego of local DJ and TV announcer Ernie Anderson. Ron Garsteck's annual Ghoulardifest celebrates the iconic host — who famously made us all associate Parma with pink flamingos — and the shows he inspired: The Hoolihan and Big Chuck Show and The Big Chuck and Lil' John Show. Here are a few highlights from this year's fest. It'll be held, fittingly, at the UAW Hall in Parma Nov. 2-4.
"Gitarzan" Live: Each year, Big Chuck Schodowski, Lil' John Rinaldi and Bob "Hoolihan" Wells perform a skit from one of their shows. This year it's the spoof video for Ray Stevens' song "Gitarzan." "It's a jungle band, and I'm Gitarzan," says Schodowski. "I play guitar, and Lil' John will be Jane."
The Re-Beats: This band pays tribute to the Beatles and the '60s on Saturday night, but there will be live entertainment all weekend. "We're gonna have jitterbug dancers and continuous music," Schodowski says.
Ghoulardi Gear: Pick up T-shirts, magnets and more with Ghoulardi's face on them. Some even feature the host's famous phrases, including a beer koozie bearing the words "Cool it!" and a flashlight emblazoned with, "Lights out ... and now da movie folks."
MORE INFO theghoulardifest.com
